Young people in Tallaght invited to assist LGBT Strategy

Young people in Tallaght are to be invited to take part in forming the first ever National LGBT Youth Strategy, according to Dublin South West TD and Independent Minister, Katherine Zappone.

The local Minister says it is important that young voices are heard in forming a strategy which will confront homophobia, bullying and discrimination.

The Minister has also confirmed that author, campaigner and journalist Una Mullally is the new Independent Chair who will oversee the development of the strategy.

Making the announcement the Minister said:

“The resounding Yes Vote for Marriage Equality in Tallaght and across Dublin South West remains one of the highlights of my personal and professional life, it was a moment I will never forget.

“However over 18-months on it is also clear from research that young members of the LGBT community continue to face challenges – in some cases on a daily basis.

“In order to recapture the excitement, solidarity and the equality of referendum day we are now in the process of forming the first ever LGBT National Youth Strategy.

“I am delighted that Una Mullally has agreed to be appointed Independent Chair and is hitting the ground running with awareness raising to begin on social media from January.

“A key aspect of Una’s work will be to listen to the voices and experiences of young people.

“An invitation will be issued to children and teenagers in Tallaght to take part in that consultation process. These views and experiences will be more important than any expert in helping to form any new policies.

“Further details will be posted on my Department’s website www.dcya.gov.ie across 2017 and I am asking local youth organisations, clubs and indeed individuals in Tallaght to get involved in what promises to be an exciting, energetic and ground breaking process.”